🇺🇸JUST IN: The US government is offering startups up to $1.55 MILLION and take 0% equity, with a $250M grant pool. NSF’s America’s Seed Fund resumed after Congress reauthorized the program in April, extending it through 2031. What are the stages: - Phase I: up to $305K to prove feasibility - Phase II: up to $1.25M to build toward market; or - Fast-Track: up to $1.55M by combining both phases Who can apply: - US-based small firms w/ fewer than 500 employees - at least 50% owned by US citizens or permanent residents - not majority owned by multiple VC, private equity or hedge funds - work must be done in the US How it works: - submit a short Project Pitch (hear back in ~1–2mo) - if invited, submit a full proposal (next deadline is Nov. 4 and hear back in ~6mo) - awardees keep ownership of the company and IP Key detail: - NSF funds high-risk R&D and defensible deep tech, NOT basic apps, marketing spend, simple software builds or already-proven products. The program has a $250 million FY26 allocation. Save this and tag a founder who should apply🔖